The Rev Andrew Shearn has worked at St Peter's church as a curate since July last year.

The former teacher, who lives in Alcester with his wife Cathy, was ordained by the Bishop of Coventry at the city's cathedral alongside seven deacon and six priest candidates.

Before the event, he said: "I am really looking forward to it and I am quite excited. There's a lot of new challenges. This is the direction that God has wanted me to go in for a long time."
St Peter's is the first church Mr Shearn has worked for, although he has always been involved with the church.

Mr Shearn will be working as a part-time non-stipendiary minister, which means he will not be paid for his role.

He said: "I wanted to make as much of my retirement as I can."
The 63-year-old, who is originally from Midsomer Norton in Somerset, previously taught at Aylesford School in Warwick. He has lived in Alcester for 25 years and retired as head of the town's grammar shool five years ago to pursue his religious beliefs.


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Mr Shearn then studied theology in Birmingham before beginning work at St Peter's assisting the Rev Kate Mier.

He will continue to carry out similar tasks but will now be able to perform weddings and communion services.

The father-of-four believes it is important to reach out to different community groups.

He said: "The church is about trying to circulate God's love to the population. It is encouraging people to understand more about God's love and how it can change their lives. The church should be reaching out to people whether they are old or young."

In the run up to the event the future priest spent three days at Upper House retreat in Offchurch to study and pray before beginning his new role.